These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a perfect treat for summer! With sweet peaches nestled on a buttery crust topped with a crunchy crumble, each bite is a delight.
They’re super simple to make, and your friends will think you’re a baking pro! I love to enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream—heaven on a plate! 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the crumble base. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure it’s one that includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: They add a lovely texture to the crumble. If you don’t have oats, you can swap them with more flour or use crushed nuts for a different flavor and crunch.
Fresh Peaches: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor. If they aren’t in season, you can substitute with canned peaches (drained) or even other fruits like blueberries or berries!
Brown Sugar: This adds a warm sweetness. You can use white sugar if that’s what you have, but brown sugar gives a richer flavor.
Unsalted Butter: The melted butter keeps the crumble moist. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just remember it might change the taste a bit!
How Do You Get the Crumble Just Right?
The crumble texture is important for these bars! Here’s how to make it perfectly crumbly:
- Mix the dry ingredients well before adding the melted butter to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Use a fork or your fingers to combine the butter into the dry mix until it resembles coarse crumbs – this helps keep some clumps!
- Press down the crust firmly but not too tightly; you want it compact enough to hold, but airy enough for a light bite.
- When you add the crumble on top, don’t press it too hard. Just sprinkle it on to allow it to crisp up nicely while baking.
By following these tips, your Easy Peach Crumble Bars will turn out delicious and have a great texture! Enjoy baking!
Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, with cooling time before slicing. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy these delightful bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang. This will help you lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir. Now, pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Press the Crust Mixture:
Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the crust. Don’t press too hard; just enough to hold it together!
4. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In another bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until they are well coated and fragrant. This will be the yummy filling!
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the peach layer, trying to cover it as much as possible for an even topping.
6. Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crumble on top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly and delicious.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly. After cooling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and dust with powdered sugar if you’d like!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the bars warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Enjoy your delightful, summery Easy Peach Crumble Bars!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly, as frozen peaches can be sweeter.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure that all other ingredients, like oats and baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Can I Prepare the Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day ahead of time. Just bake, cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
